What kind of alcohol culture exists at your workplace? This is one of the questions highlighted during this year’s public health campaign, Sober October. Just like before, Sober October encourages you to embrace being ‘Sober Curious.’
Throughout October, Sober October is underway – a public health campaign focused on drinking less and discovering more. The initiative started in Sweden in 2012 and is organized in collaboration between the media company Norran and the communications agency Henson. The main partners in 2024 are Skellefteå municipality, Region Norrbotten, and FBE Konsult, with this year’s focus on workplace alcohol culture.
“Sober October is a fantastic initiative and an opportunity to pause and reflect on your drinking habits. Workplace culture can have a significant impact here,” says Ingela Hjulfors Berg, Secretary General of Sober October.
Ingela Hjulfors Berg has personal experience of using alcohol as a tool to manage stress, celebrate success, and cope with setbacks in the middle of a career. She hopes that this year’s campaign will open up discussions about the role of alcohol both at and outside the workplace.
“It was during Sober October in 2016 that I decided to take an alcohol break. It started with 100 days, which turned into eight years, and today I’ve broken up with alcohol. For me, Sober October was a starting point for a new way of looking at drinking,” says Ingela Hjulfors Berg.
Sober October encourages participants to take a month-long break from alcohol, and above all, to reflect on the alcohol norms that exist among friends, at work, and in society. Through Sober October’s digital channels, participants can access a month full of lectures, discussions, inspiration, and tips for those interested in everything from alcohol-free wine trends to how to address an unhealthy alcohol culture in the workplace.
“Being part of Sober October doesn’t mean you have to become a teetotaler; it simply means giving yourself a month to reflect on the role alcohol plays in your life. We call it being ‘Sober Curious,’” says Ingela Hjulfors Berg.
In October, we will meet Sober October’s new ambassador Molly Rudbo, who shares her journey from restaurant owner with a wine bar to sober sommelier. We will also meet Marcus Axelsson from FBE Konsult, who provides support to employers and employees on addiction issues, as well as TV doctor Jens Persson and host Sarah Mansouri. More information about Sober October can be found at soberoctober.se or on Instagram: @soberoctoberswe.
Sober October is a national campaign for health and well-being. Businesses, municipalities, organizations, and, most importantly, individuals work together to challenge alcohol norms. During an alcohol-free month, you give yourself the chance to feel a little better, perform a little better, and discover more.
Find more from https://soberoctober.se/ (Sweden, October 2024)
Alcohol Awareness 